IT Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is currently implementing a 3-year project under the Multi-Donor Action “Circular Economy in the Food Sector” (CIRCULAR) - GCP SRL 085 EC - which is jointly implemented with Expertise France (EF) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and funded by the European Union (EU). The FAO project under CIRCULAR seeks to address critical issues such as food loss and waste reduction, circularity applied to agri-food systems, and the transition away from single-use plastics from producers up to wholesalers. By leveraging multi-stakeholder partnerships and socio-technological interventions the project seeks to not only mitigate agri-food system climate impacts but also contribute to economic and social well-being.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), the technical supervision of the FAO Lead Technical Officer (LTO) in the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, and close collaboration with the International Project Management Specialist, National FLW Specialist and the Project Coordinator the incumbent will contribute to timely implementation of the project performing specific tasks.

Technical Focus

The IT specialist should have an expertise knowledge in designing and implementing and delivering learning materials. This includes proficiency in circular economy principals and integrating Circular Economy approaches.

Tasks and responsibilities

1.Needs Assessment\:
• Conduct a needs assessment to identify requirements for the CIRCULAR project stakeholders (producers to consumers) for food losses and waste prevention and reduction, recovery and redistribution, feed, compost and biogas as well as single use plastics from production up to wholesalers.
2. Platform Development and Deployment\:
• Design user-friendly e-learning platforms including learning management systems (LMS), online courses, webinars, and interactive modules catering to different audience groups. Coordinate with external vendors, consultants, and service providers for platform customization and deployment.
3. Stakeholder Collaboration\:
• Collaborate with MSMEs, SMEs, research institutions, technology providers, and other stakeholders to design information flows, data capture and integration for enhanced functionality and user accessibility of e-platforms.
• Marketing orientation through IT development for the businesses / pilots that CIRCULAR supports.
• Collaboration with the Business development consultant and the Technology innovation consultant on needs assistance and implementation of these for the pilots that CIRCULAR supports.
4. Data Management\:
• Develop and implement data management protocols, security measures, and backup procedures to safeguard the integrity and confidentiality of project data.
5. Capacity Building\:
• Provide technical assistance and advisory support to MSMEs and SMEs to adopt and implement innovative technologies and social innovations, including training, capacity building, and mentoring.
• Ensure gender and social inclusivity in capacity-building initiatives.
6. Monitoring and Reporting\:
• Monitor and evaluate the performance and usage of digital platforms, and e-learning platforms, collecting and analyzing data to assess effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and inform decision-making.
• Submit progress reports highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
7. Documentation\:
• Develop user manuals, training materials, and documentation to support learners and instructors in effectively navigating and utilizing e-learning platforms.
8. Compliance\:
• Ensure compliance with FAO and donor rules and regulations, including reporting requirements, financial management procedures, and ethical standards, in all technology and social innovation activities.
9. Other Responsibilities\:
• Undertake any other technology and social innovation-related tasks or assignments to support the overall objectives of the CIRCULAR project.
Any other related task as assigned by AFAOR (Programme)

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in information technology, Web development, or a related field is required;

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in information technology, with a focus on web development, e-platform design, and digital project management. demonstrated expertise in designing, developing, and managing e-learning platforms, including learning management systems (LMS) and online course delivery systems.
• Full proficiency in English and Sinhala/Tamil, both written and spoken, is required.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work
• Extent and relevance of experience in designing of user-friendly e-learning materials, online courses, webinars and interactive modules.
• Extent and relevance of experience in training and capacity building and delivering workshops.
• Familiarity with curriculum frameworks and learning theories.

Selection Criteria

• Master's degree would be considered an asset.
• Strong understanding of user experience (UX) design principles, accessibility standards, and responsive web design techniques
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct research, data analysis, and feasibility studies to inform decision-making and strategy development.
• Proven project management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage resources effectively.
• Experience in working with government, especially with Ministry of Education, Environment ,Agriculture.
• Experience in coordinating and liaising with industry, academia, national authorities, UN agencies, donors, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations.
• Familiarity with the UN System and /or development sector will be considered an asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION